Everton: Sean Dyche reveals what he has told Amadou Onana amid transfer links

Everton boss Sean Dyche has revealed he has been speaking “endlessly” to Amadou Onana about becoming more of an effective presence in both boxes as he develops his game further this season.

Dyche says Onana has the ability to work at either end of the pitch, as he has the levels of fitness and strength to do so, while he is still adapting to the English game rather than the European style of football that he is used to.

Onana had been linked with moves away from Goodison Park this summer, with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag interested in bringing the Belgian to Old Trafford as he wishes to add some physicality to his midfield [The Guardian, 14 August].

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Speaking to the Liverpool Echo ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa [20 August], Dyche revealed: “He is maturing as a player. He is relatively young, just turned 22, and his depth of experience is one season in the Premier League. We want him to keep learning, both sides of the game.

“I have spoken endlessly about his power to work in both boxes. He has the fitness and strength to do it. He is adapting from a European style of football. There are differences.”

The boss then went on to hail other members of his squad, stating: “I thought there were a number of very good performances last week. Alex Iwobi has had his ups and downs with Everton fans but since I have been here he has been terrific. Ashley Young as well, fantastic. Proper pro, there every day.”

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The best option is to stay and learn

Onana’s best option this season would be to stay at Goodison Park and develop further under Dyche. It will do him no harm to improve his game before ultimately taking a step up if he feels he wants to progress his career and play for a bigger club in the future.

He has only played one season in the Premier League, and as much as it was a very impressive performance despite the ultimate position of the club, he may not be quite ready to take such a big step up as has been suggested.

If Dyche can work with Onana and develop him into an effective presence in both boxes, he could be a real standout player for Everton and could make the difference between them moving further up the table and getting away from slipping into another relegation battle.

Dyche’s comments showed no indication that a move would be upcoming for his star man and showed how he is looking forward to working with him over the course of the coming Premier League season.

In other Everton news, there has been a suggestion that an accountant could cancel out any points Everton earn.